In celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer (2026), and as part of the UN Decade of Family Farming (2019-2028), the FAO Family Farming Knowledge Platform and the Barefoot Guide Connection invite women farmers worldwide to amplify their voices through a dedicated writing workshop.

Family farmers are the backbone of sustainable agrifood systems, with women at the heart of this transformation. Yet, their stories of innovation, resilience, and leadership often go unheard. "Sowing stories, cultivating equality" is an initiative designed to help women farmers reflect on their journeys and share their vital knowledge with the world.

About the workshop

These sessions are friendly, step-by-step online workshops held in a supportive environment. No previous writing experience is required. With the guidance of experienced facilitators, participants will learn how to turn their everyday practices into compelling stories of change.

Who should apply?

We welcome women farmers from all regions who:

• Have insights to share about their farming practices and lived experiences.
• Are motivated to develop their writing and storytelling skills.
• Can participate in online sessions in English.
• Are committed to completing their story with facilitator support.

What stories are we looking for?

We are seeking real-life stories from across all sectors—agriculture, forestry, fisheries, pastoral farming, and aquaculture—focused on:

• Climate resilience and sustainable management of natural resources.
• Access to markets and financial services.
• Access to education, training, and technical assistance.
• Preserving and adapting traditional knowledge and farming practices.
• Enhancing the availability and accessibility of diverse, culturally appropriate foods (the right to adequate food).
• Strengthening the redistribution of care work.

What will you gain?

Participants will attend four half-day online workshops over two weeks to:

• Master storytelling: Learn practical skills to write your own "story of practice."
• Expert coaching: Receive step-by-step guidance and individual feedback.
• Peer connection: Join a global network of women farmers in a supportive learning space.
• Global recognition: Your completed story will be published and shared globally as part of the 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer commemorations.
• Resources: Receive a comprehensive Writer’s Guide to support your journey.

 Key Information

• Application period: 02 – 13 February 2026
• Application deadline: 13 February 2026 23:59 (CET)
• Workshop dates: 10, 13, 17, and 23 March 2026 (to be confirmed)
• Language: English
• Selection: Participants will be selected to ensure diverse regional representation. There will be a limited amount of participants selected.

Thank you for your interest!  The applications are now closed.

Terms and conditions

• All participants must be 18 years old or older.
• Submitted stories must be the work of the participant(s). Stories may be co-authored.
• Stories must not violate or infringe upon the rights of third parties, including but not limited to trademark, privacy, publicity or other intellectual property rights, or constitute copyright infringement.
• If the video or the photographs contain images of a person or persons, participants must have obtained the permission of those persons, or if such person or persons are under the age of 18, of their respective parent or legal guardian, for submission of their video to the call, as well as for the use of the video as described herein. FAO will not be responsible for any claim or complaints alleging violation of the rights of third parties.
• FAO will not claim copyright, but participants must grant a non-exclusive and free license for the dissemination and use of the material for non-commercial purposes.
• The participant must be the copyright holder of the material submitted.
• Stories must pay due respect to the dignity of people, communities, animals and ecosystems.
• Stories must not include any endorsements of products or services, or any obscene, violent, racist or defamatory content. Incomplete entries or entries that do not comply with the formal specifications will be automatically disqualified.
• FAO reserves the right to select the participants of the workshops.

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For more information, please contact: [email protected]